Psalms 138:7

Translation
King James Version
Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.
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KJV (with Strong's)
Though I walk H3212 in the midst H7130 of trouble H6869, thou wilt revive H2421 me: thou shalt stretch forth H7971 thine hand H3027 against the wrath H639 of mine enemies H341, and thy right hand H3225 shall save H3467 me.
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Complete Jewish Bible
You keep me alive when surrounded by danger; you put out your hand when my enemies rage; with your right hand you save me.
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Berean Standard Bible
If I walk in the midst of trouble, You preserve me from the anger of my foes; You extend Your hand, and Your right hand saves me.
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American Standard Version
Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me; Thou wilt stretch forth thy hand against the wrath of mine enemies, And thy right hand will save me.
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World English Bible Messianic
Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you will revive me. You will stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies. Your right hand will save me.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
Though I walke in the middes of trouble, yet wilt thou reuiue me: thou wilt stretch foorth thine hand vpon the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall saue me.
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Young's Literal Translation
If I walk in the midst of distress Thou quickenest me, Against the anger of mine enemies Thou sendest forth Thy hand, And Thy right hand doth save me.
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See also
Isaiah 41:10Psalms 23:3Psalms 23:4Psalms 71:20Psalms 71:21Psalms 85:6Acts 2:33
In the KJVVerse 16,239 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Psalms 138:7 is a profound declaration of unwavering faith in God's active and powerful intervention amidst life's gravest adversities. It portrays the psalmist's deep conviction that even when engulfed by trouble and confronted by the wrath of enemies, the Lord will supernaturally restore life, extend His protective hand, and ultimately bring salvation through His mighty power. This verse encapsulates a core biblical truth: God is not a distant observer but an ever-present, sovereign deliverer who actively preserves and saves His devoted followers.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: Psalm 138 is an individual psalm of thanksgiving, traditionally attributed to David. It opens with a personal vow of praise and worship to God before "the gods" (or "heavenly beings"), acknowledging His steadfast love and faithfulness in answering prayer, as seen in Psalms 138:1-3. The psalm then broadens to include a prophetic vision of all earthly kings praising the Lord, recognizing His glory and righteous ways, a theme explored in Psalms 138:4-6. Verse 7 marks a return to the psalmist's personal experience, moving from general praise for God's character to a specific affirmation of His protective action in the face of immediate danger. It builds on the earlier declaration of God's faithfulness by applying it directly to present and future trials, leading into a concluding statement of confidence that God will perfect what concerns him, as articulated in Psalms 138:8.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: Composed by David, a king constantly embroiled in conflict and intrigue, this psalm reflects the realities of leadership in ancient Israel. David faced numerous enemies—from the Philistines and surrounding nations to internal rebellions led by figures like Absalom, detailed in 2 Samuel 15. "Trouble" (Hebrew: tsârâh) and "wrath of mine enemies" were not abstract concepts for David but daily threats to his life and kingdom. In the ancient Near East, a king's stability and success were often seen as a reflection of his deity's favor and power. Thus, God's intervention on David's behalf was a public vindication of both David and the God of Israel. The imagery of God's "hand" and "right hand" was a common cultural idiom for divine power, authority, and decisive action, particularly in battle and deliverance, as powerfully seen in the accounts of the Exodus, such as Exodus 15:6.
  • Key Themes: This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Psalter and the broader biblical narrative. It underscores Divine Preservation in Adversity, emphasizing that God actively sustains His people through trials, transforming potential defeat into renewal. It highlights God's Active Intervention, portraying the Lord not as a passive observer but as a dynamic, engaged protector who stretches forth His hand against hostile forces. This theme is pervasive in the Psalms, where the righteous consistently appeal to God for deliverance from their foes, as exemplified in Psalms 3:7. Finally, it articulates Unwavering Confidence in God's Power, asserting that despite the intensity of human or demonic opposition, God's strength is supreme and His salvation is assured. This confidence is a hallmark of Davidic psalms, which frequently express trust in God's ultimate victory over all adversaries, as declared in Psalms 20:7.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • revive (Hebrew, châyâh', H2421): A primitive root (compare חָוָה, חָיָה); to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive; keep (leave, make) alive, [idiom] certainly, give (promise) life, (let, suffer to) live, nourish up, preserve (alive), quicken, recover, repair, restore (to life), revive, ([idiom] God) save (alive, life, lives), [idiom] surely, be whole. This word signifies not merely survival but a profound restoration of life, vitality, and spirit. In the context of "trouble," it implies God's ability to breathe new life into a desolate or despairing situation, bringing renewal and spiritual flourishing even in the face of overwhelming difficulty.
  • hand (Hebrew, yâd', H3027): A primitive word; in distinction from כַּף, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great variety of applications, both literally and figuratively, both proximate and remote (as follows); a hand (the open one (indicating power, means, direction, etc.),; ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. This word, referring to the open hand, is a rich biblical metaphor for power, means, direction, and authority. When God stretches forth His "hand," it denotes His direct, active, and forceful intervention, serving as the instrument of His sovereign will.
  • save (Hebrew, yâshaʻ', H3467): A primitive root; properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e. (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor; [idiom] at all, avenging, defend, deliver(-er), help, preserve, rescue, be safe, bring (having) salvation, save(-iour), get victory. This primitive root means to be open, wide, or free, and by implication, to be safe. Causatively, it means to free or succor. In this verse, it speaks of God's comprehensive deliverance—rescuing from immediate danger, bringing security, and ultimately granting victory over enemies.

Verse Breakdown

  • "Though I walk in the midst of trouble,": This clause establishes the psalmist's dire circumstances. "Trouble" (Hebrew: tsârâh) denotes tightness, distress, anguish, or tribulation, suggesting a situation of profound difficulty and constriction. The imagery of "walking in the midst" implies being surrounded, engulfed, or deeply immersed in these challenging conditions, not merely observing them from a distance. It acknowledges the reality of suffering and adversity as an inescapable part of human experience, even for the righteous.
  • "thou wilt revive me:": This is the first declaration of divine intervention, directly contrasting the "trouble." The verb "revive" (Hebrew: châyâh) promises restoration of life, vitality, and hope. It is a powerful affirmation that God's presence in adversity brings not just endurance, but a renewal of spirit and strength, a quickening that overcomes the debilitating effects of distress. It speaks to God's life-giving power in the face of spiritual, emotional, or even physical decline.
  • "thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies,": This clause elaborates on the nature of God's intervention. "Stretching forth thine hand" (Hebrew: shâlach yâd) is an anthropomorphic expression signifying God's direct, decisive, and powerful action. It is an aggressive, defensive posture against "the wrath" (Hebrew: ʼaph, literally "nose" or "nostril," hence "anger" or "fury") of the psalmist's adversaries. This imagery conveys God's active opposition to hostile intent, demonstrating His willingness and ability to confront and neutralize the destructive forces arrayed against His servant.
  • "and thy right hand shall save me.": This final clause reiterates and intensifies the promise of deliverance. The "right hand" (Hebrew: yâmîyn) is a universal symbol of strength, authority, power, and decisive action. In biblical contexts, God's right hand is consistently associated with victory, salvation, and the execution of His mighty purposes. This phrase assures the psalmist of ultimate and complete salvation, emphasizing that God's most potent and effective power will be deployed to secure his deliverance from all threats.

Literary Devices

Psalms 138:7 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. Contrast is evident in the juxtaposition of "trouble" and "wrath of mine enemies" with God's actions to "revive" and "save." This highlights the dramatic shift from human vulnerability to divine omnipotence. Anthropomorphism is central, particularly in the imagery of God stretching forth "thine hand" and "thy right hand." This device attributes human physical actions to God, making His powerful intervention more relatable and impactful to the human mind, emphasizing His active engagement in human affairs. Parallelism is also present, specifically synonymous parallelism, where the second half of the verse ("thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me") echoes and amplifies the first half's promise of revival, using different but related imagery to reinforce the theme of divine protection and deliverance. The "right hand" serves as a potent metonymy for God's supreme power and authority, representing the totality of His saving might.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

This verse profoundly speaks to the theological truth of God's immanence and active involvement in the lives of His people, particularly during times of suffering and opposition. It affirms God as the ultimate deliverer and preserver, whose power is not limited by the intensity of human trouble or the malice of enemies. The psalmist's confidence is rooted in God's character—His faithfulness, His steadfast love, and His omnipotence. It teaches that even when circumstances seem overwhelming, the believer can rest in the assurance that God's hand is not shortened and His will is to bring life and salvation. This is a foundational tenet of biblical theology: God is sovereign over all circumstances, and His redemptive purposes will prevail.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Psalms 138:7 offers immense spiritual nourishment for the contemporary believer, serving as a powerful anchor in the storms of life. It reminds us that our walk through "the midst of trouble"—whether personal crises, spiritual battles, or external opposition—is never solitary. God is not only aware of our plight but actively engaged in it. This verse calls us to cultivate a radical trust in God's ability to "revive" us, to breathe new life into our weary souls, restore our hope, and renew our strength when we feel overwhelmed. It encourages us to release our fears, knowing that the same mighty hand that created the cosmos is stretched out to defend us against every form of "wrath" and hostility. Our salvation, both immediate and ultimate, rests securely in His powerful "right hand." Therefore, we are called to audacious faith, to declare God's protective power even when surrounded by darkness, confident that His deliverance is certain and His faithfulness unwavering.

Questions for Reflection

  • In what specific "troubles" or forms of "wrath" do you currently find yourself walking, and how does this verse speak to your situation?
  • How does the promise of God's "revival" apply to your spiritual, emotional, or physical well-being today?
  • What does it mean for you, practically, to trust in God's "hand" and "right hand" to save you from your enemies or adversities?
  • How can you cultivate a deeper confidence in God's active intervention, even when His hand seems hidden or His timing delayed?

FAQ

Does "revive me" only refer to physical healing, or does it have a broader meaning?

Answer: While "revive me" (Hebrew: châyâh) can certainly encompass physical healing or preservation of life, its primary meaning in this context extends far beyond mere physical restoration. It speaks to a comprehensive renewal of vitality, spirit, hope, and purpose. In the "midst of trouble," one's spirit can be crushed, hope can wane, and emotional strength can deplete. Therefore, God's promise to "revive" implies a spiritual quickening, a restoration of joy and peace, and a renewed sense of purpose and strength to face ongoing challenges. It suggests that God breathes life into every aspect of a person's being that has been diminished or threatened by adversity.

Who are the "enemies" mentioned in this verse, and how does God's hand act against them?

Answer: The "enemies" (Hebrew: ʼôyêb) in this psalm, particularly in David's context, would have primarily referred to literal human adversaries—political rivals, foreign armies, or rebellious factions seeking to harm him or overthrow his kingdom. However, in a broader theological and spiritual sense, "enemies" can also represent anything that opposes God's will for our lives or seeks to destroy our faith and well-being. This includes spiritual forces of darkness, as described in Ephesians 6:12, the schemes of the devil, or even the destructive power of sin and despair. God's "hand" acts against them through various means: direct intervention, protection, empowering His people to overcome, confounding the plans of the wicked, and ultimately, through His sovereign judgment and triumph over all evil. This is echoed in passages like Romans 12:19 where God promises to avenge His people.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Psalms 138:7 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The psalmist's cry for revival and salvation in the midst of trouble foreshadows the ultimate deliverance wrought by the Messiah. Jesus himself walked "in the midst of trouble," experiencing the full spectrum of human suffering, opposition, and the "wrath of enemies"—from religious leaders to the demonic realm, culminating in the wrath of God against sin on the cross, as prophesied in Isaiah 53:5. Yet, in His resurrection, God powerfully "revived" Him, demonstrating His ultimate victory over death and the grave, as affirmed in Acts 2:24. This resurrection is the guarantee of our own spiritual revival and new life in Christ, as taught in Romans 6:4. Furthermore, Jesus's "hand" is the very hand of God stretched forth, not only to heal the sick and cast out demons during His earthly ministry, as seen in Matthew 8:3, but supremely to bear the wrath of sin on the cross, thereby disarming the powers of darkness, a truth revealed in Colossians 2:15. His "right hand" is now exalted at the Father's side, from which He reigns as our sovereign Lord and Savior, interceding for us and guaranteeing our eternal salvation from all spiritual enemies—sin, death, and the devil, as powerfully stated in Hebrews 10:12 and Romans 8:34. Thus, the psalmist's declaration becomes a prophetic echo of the comprehensive salvation secured through Christ, who truly revives, protects, and saves His people with His mighty hand.

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Commentary on Psalms 138 verses 6–8

David here comforts himself with three things: -

I. The favour God bears to his humble people (Psa 138:6): Though the Lord be high, and neither needs any of his creatures nor can be benefited by them, yet has he respect unto the lowly, smiles upon them as well pleased with them, overlooks heaven and earth to cast a gracious look upon them (Isa 57:15; Isa 66:1), and, sooner or later, he will put honour upon them, while he knows the proud afar off, knows them, but disowns them and rejects them, how proudly soever they pretend to his favour. Dr. Hammond makes this to be the sum of that gospel which the kings of the earth shall hear and welcome - that penitent sinners shall be accepted of God, but the impenitent cast out; witness the instance of the Pharisee and the publican, Lu. 18.

II. The care God takes of his afflicted oppressed people, Psa 138:7. David, though a great and good man, expects to walk in the midst of trouble, but encourages himself with hope, 1. That God would comfort him: "When my spirit is ready to sink and fail, thou shalt revive me, and make me easy and cheerful under my troubles." Divine consolations have enough in them to revive us even when we walk in the midst of troubles and are ready to die away for fear. 2. That he would protect him, and plead his cause: "Thou shalt stretch forth thy hand, though not against my enemies to destroy them, yet against the wrath of my enemies, to restrain that and set bounds to it." 3. That he would in due time work deliverance for him: Thy right hand shall save me. As he has one hand to stretch out against his enemies, so he has another to save his own people. Christ is the right hand of the Lord, that shall save all those who serve him.

III. The assurance we have that whatever good work God has begun in and for his people he will perform it (Psa 138:8): The Lord will perfect that which concerns me, 1. That which is most needful for me; and he knows best what is so. We are careful and cumbered about many things that do not concern us, but he knows what are the things that really are of consequence to us (Mat 6:32) and he will order them for the best. 2. That which we are most concerned about. Every good man is most concerned about his duty to God and his happiness in God, that the former may be faithfully done and the latter effectually secured; and if indeed these are the things that our hearts are most upon, and concerning which we are most solicitous, there is a good work begun in us, and he that has begun it will perfect it, we may be confident he will, Phi 1:6. Observe, (1.) What ground the psalmist builds this confidence upon: Thy mercy, O Lord! endures for ever. This he had made very much the matter of his praise (Psa 13:6), and therefore he could here with the more assurance make it the matter of his hope. For, if we give God the glory of his mercy, we may take to ourselves the comfort of it. Our hopes that we shall persevere must be founded, not upon our own strength, for that will fail us, but upon the mercy of God, for that will not fail. It is well pleaded, "Lord, thy mercy endures for ever; let me be for ever a monument of it." (2.) What use he makes of this confidence; it does not supersede, but quicken prayer; he turns his expectation into a petition: "Forsake not, do not let go, the work of thy own hands. Lord, I am the work of thy own hands, my soul is so, do not forsake me; my concerns are so, do not lay by thy care of them." Whatever good there is in us it is the work of God's own hands; he works in us both to will and to do; it will fail if he forsake it; but his glory, as Jehovah, a perfecting God, is so much concerned in the progress of it to the end that we may in faith pray, "Lord, do not forsake it." Whom he loves he loves to the end; and, as for God, his work is perfect.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 6–8. Public domain.
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Augustine of HippoAD 430
Exposition on Psalm 138
"If I walk in the midst of tribulation, You shall revive me" [Psalm 138:7]. True it is: whatsoever tribulation you are in, confess, call on Him; He frees you, He revives you....Love the other life, and you shall see that this life is tribulation, whatever prosperity it shine with, whatever delights it abound and overflow with; since not yet have we that joy most safe and free from all temptation, which God reserves for us in the end, without doubt it is tribulation. Let us understand then what tribulation he means here too, brethren. Not as though he said, "If perchance there shall any tribulation have befallen me, You shall free me therefrom." But how says he? "If I walk," etc.; that is, otherwise You will not revive me, unless I walk in the midst of tribulation.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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